Rosemary Broomhead and her husband, Raymond, both 66, have been attending the much-anticipated event for well more than half of its 105 years — since they were both little kids, they said.

As far as they’re concerned, the beloved tradition just keeps getting better.

“It’s more festive,” said Rosemary, decked out in a flashing ornament necklace and jolly Christmas tree hat, which she acquired at last year’s Lighting and said helps put her in the holiday spirit.

Rylie Bickel of Raynham, 9, has been attending the Lighting of the Green all her life, as well.

But this was the first time for her friend Emma Arcadipane, 8.

Emma said she loved the moment the sea of lights came on and was surprised how many there were.

She also enjoyed the fireworks and thanks to Rylie, who gave Emma a piggy-back boost, she didn’t have to miss a thing.

Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr. got into the spirit of the event, introducing himself as George Bailey, Jimmy Stewart’s character in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, welcome to the 105th Lighting of the Green as we take you back in time,” Hoye said.

He said the antique village display was meant to conjure up Yuletide memories of “a simpler time.”

“This is Taunton. This is the Christmas City. This is your city. You deserve it,” he told the crowd.

Among the officials on hand on the main stage in addition to Hoye and Haddad, were Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, state Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, state Rep. Shaunna O’Connell, R-Taunton, state Rep. Keiko Orrall, R-Lakeville, city councilors, school committee members and Superintendent of Schools John Cabral.

Taunton High School students treated the crowd to a rousing rendition of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and Miss Taunton Lyndsey Littlefield joined them and Hoye in leading the crowd in a sing-along of “Jingle Bells.”

Polito praised the “generations of families who call Taunton home and who continue to make this a beautiful and wonderful community.”

“That’s what you are celebrating tonight,” she said.

This will be the last time parks and recreation Commissioner Marilyn Greene, who is retiring, will be at the helm organizing the Lighting of the Green.

“She makes it all happen,” Hoye said as he presented her with a key to the city.

Though he is a lifelong Raynham resident, this was James House’s first time at the festival, which he attended with his wife Christine and their children Molly, 10, Mackenzie, 8 — nestling a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening — and Jameson, 5.

James and the girls, all three decked out in ornament headgear, staked out prime real estate between the giant Christmas tree and the stage for the big moment the lights came on, while Christine and Jameson got their faces painted.

James said he never realized what an extravaganza the Lighting of the Green is.

“We will definitely be coming back,” he said.

The Lights On festival featured performances and activities at businesses and other facilities around downtown, including performances by drummer Shane Jones, Journey tribute band The Great Escape, Mike Higgins and local school choruses and bands; an ornament workshop; a slime making station; a marionette show; a mad science show; an art exhibit featuring the work of local students; hayrides; a reptile exhibit; a magic show; a chance to meet Santa; and a lot more.

The Broomheads were three generations strong Saturday night, attending with their daughter Melissa Moura of Bridgewater and her daughter, Vanessa Moura, 15.

And they were on the lookout for additional friends and relatives to greet in the large crowd, an exciting aspect of the Lighting of the Green each year, they said.

When Melissa was a young child, Lights On, as it was called then, didn’t have all the fun activities available now, she said.

Rosemary said she makes a special effort when it comes to Christmas in terms of her cheerful holiday attire because Christmas is a special time.

The lights and singing are just a way to celebrate what really matters, she said, family. And where better to celebrate than in the Christmas City?

The Broomheads said they wouldn’t miss the Lighting of the Green.

“When I was little the biggest memory I have … is gathering with everyone. I don’t remember a single present, just gathering with family,” Melissa said.

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